FR 2021-02539

The document issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides notice of new applications for pesticide use under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The EPA is inviting public comments on these applications until March 10, 2021. The pesticides in question contain active ingredients that are already registered, and the proposed uses include various crops such as leafy greens, bananas, and sweet potatoes.

General Overview

At its core, this document serves as a formal notice alerting the public to potential new uses for existing pesticide products. By issuing this notice, the EPA adheres to regulatory procedures and encourages an open process by allowing the public to submit comments.

The substances under consideration are fungicides containing cyprodinil and herbicides containing bicyclopyrone. The applications have been submitted by Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, which is seeking expanded use of these products in agricultural settings.

Significant Issues and Concerns

While the notice fulfills regulatory requirements, it lacks substantial detail on the environmental or health impacts of the newly proposed uses, which may raise public concern over transparency and safety. The notice also involves language about Confidential Business Information (CBI) that might be complicated for the average person to understand, potentially resulting in improper comment submissions.

Another issue is the absence of contextual information about the significance or potential impact of the proposed uses. This omission might lead to less informed public comments, which are essential to the decision-making process.

Broader Public Impact

The document's broader impact on the public comes from its role in regulatory transparency and public participation in environmental decision-making. By inviting comments, the EPA provides a platform for various stakeholders to express concerns or support, which could affect the final approval of these pesticide applications.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For agricultural producers, the new uses of these pesticides could offer enhanced crop protection options, potentially improving yields and reducing production costs. Food manufacturers and pesticide manufacturers stand to benefit economically if the new uses are approved, as this potentially broadens market opportunities.

However, there may be negative implications for other stakeholders, particularly those concerned with environmental and health impacts. Advocacy groups aiming to protect ecological systems and public health might view the lack of detailed impact analysis as problematic. By not thoroughly discussing possible health and environmental effects, the notice could inadvertently minimize public engagement from these critical voices.

In summary, while the document serves a functional role in the regulatory process, the specific issues identified—such as the complexity of language and lack of detailed impact analysis—highlight areas for potential improvement in how such notices are communicated to the public. Addressing these concerns could lead to more informed public participation and a more comprehensive understanding of the broader impacts of pesticide registration applications.